All articles by Linda Stewart
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NewsBacterial ‘jumping genes’ can target and control chromosome ends
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism that transposons, or “jumping genes” use to survive and propagate in bacteria with linear DNA, with applications in biotechnology and drug development.
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NewsPackets of freeze-dried bacteria grow biocement on demand
Researchers report a freeze-drying approach that preserves biocement-producing bacteria, potentially allowing construction workers to use powder out of a packet to quickly make tiles, repair oil wells or strengthen the ground for makeshift roads.
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NewsResearch identifies key antibodies for development of broadly protective norovirus vaccine
A new study identifies powerful antibodies capable of neutralizing a wide range of norovirus strains. The finding could lead to the design of broadly effective norovirus vaccine, as well as the development of new therapeutic antibodies.
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NewsThroat microbiome holds clues to older Australians’ health
A simple swab from the back of the throat, known as the oropharynx, may offer clues about health challenges faced by aged care residents.
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NewsInsilico Medicine deploys the first bipedal humanoid AI scientist in fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory
Insilico Medicine, a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering generative AI for drug discovery and development, has announced the deployment of the first bipedal humanoid in its AI-powered fully-robotic drug discovery laboratory.
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NewsBAADesign enables the immune escaped etesevimab fully-armed against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants
BAADesign offers a powerful tool for reengineering monoclonal antibodies to combat emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing a scalable solution for future pandemic preparedness, according to a new study.
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NewsAdaptation to extreme conditions: thermal water biofilm studies could help understand ancient ecosystems
Researchers have discovered unique bacterial communities in thermal waters that may help unravel the development of stromatolites, one of Earth’s oldest rock formations.
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NewsLonger breastfeeding linked to blood-pressure lowering effects of certain infant gut bacteria
An observational study has found that infants who had more diverse bacteria in their gut had lower childhood blood pressure, and this protective association was stronger if they were breastfed for at least six months.
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NewsScottish biotech company Lentitek secures £1m funding to advance next generation cancer treatments
Biotech company Lentitek Ltd has secured £700,000 in private funding from Equity Gap, bringing its total investment to £1 million in the last six months. It develops manufacturing technologies for lentiviral vectors, used with CAR-T cell and gene therapies.
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NewsScientist who deployed glowing stars to detect disease named fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry
The man who turned the science of glow-in-the-dark stars into ways to detect disease, Professor Richard Willson, has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
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NewsWhite blood cells use brute force to dislodge bacteria
A $2.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).will support research into blood platelets and macrophages; how integrin tension influences cell function; and how this force affects platelet behavior.
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NewsAMI member Christopher Stewart named as laureate in 2025 UK Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists
Applied Microbiology International member Professor Christopher Stewart of Newcastle University has been named as one of three 2025 laureates in the eighth Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists in the UK.
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NewsHidden dangers and myths: What you need to know about HPV and cancer
While the human papillomavirus (HPV) is most associated with cervical cancer risk and women, a new survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) shows that the majority of people are unaware that ...
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NewsNew biosensor can detect airborne bird flu in under 5 minutes
A new biosensor for monitoring aerosol particles of H5N1 works within five minutes, preserving the sample of the microbes for further analysis and providing a range of the pathogen concentration levels detected on a farm.
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NewsCentauri Therapeutics selects first clinical candidate for immunotherapeutic treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections
Centauri Therapeutics Limited has announced the selection of its first clinical candidate in the ABX-01 programme. The compound is designed to target serious Gram-negative bacterial infections in the lung.
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NewsStudy uncovers the core principles of low-resistance antibiotics
Researchers have demonstrated that a dual-target approach, combining membrane disruption with an additional critical cellular pathway, significantly prevents the development of resistance in bacteria.
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NewsStudy: Smartwatches could end the next pandemic
Everyday smartwatches are extremely accurate in detecting viral infection long before symptoms appear — new research shows how they could help stop a pandemic before it even begins.
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NewsCan Rhizobium + low P increase the yield of common bean in Ethiopia?
A study found that bean inoculation with Rhizobium alone or in combination with P application, can increase grain yield of two common bean cultivars in Ethiopia.
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NewsProactively exposing ecosystems to mild environmental stressors appears to offer protection
Mild, proactive exposure to environmental stress can help biological communities resist severe disturbances and maintain genetic diversity, a recent study has found.
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NewsThe math behind social distancing: the rules that influence epidemic behavior
Researchers have worked out how to understand social distancing behavior. The team identified simple rules that govern how individuals adapt their behavior during an epidemic in order to balance the costs of infection and social distancing.